Demystifying customer snack choices
When someone approaches a snack machine, their decision process typically involves these steps:
Initial attraction and need recognition. Potential customers approach the vending machine—location, design, colours, display, are all attractors. They feel hungry, need energy, or crave a snack.
Information scanning—potential customers notice what’s available. They scan branding, price, nutritional cues.
Evaluation—they think a little more deeply about what snack they will choose (Will it be tasty? What is the portion size? Is it healthy? What is the cost?).
Decision and purchase—they pick the option that best balances their current priorities (taste, health, cost, convenience).
Post-purchase evaluation—satisfaction, guilt, or reinforcement that influences future behaviour.
Why a premium or healthy snack wins over lesser options
Photo credit: MuhammadAlimaki: https://depositphotos.com/portfolio-86100912.html?content=photo
Vending machines are a “point-of-decision” environment. How operators present those options (labelling, visibility, placement) can heavily influence the choice. Here are some important factors:
Visibility and labeling matter. If the healthier choice is clearly labeled (e.g. “FitPick® approved”) and stands out visually, it draws the eye and suggests legitimacy. The NAMA FitPick® program gives vending operators a standardized sticker/cling system that marks products meeting strict nutritional criteria so customers can easily identify them. See link.
Trust via credible program. Because FitPick® is backed by NAMA, and the labels are nationally recognized, customers may perceive healthier products as more credible, not just a novelty.
Choice architecture (nudging). If the premium or healthy choices occupy prime slots (eye level, right side, first spiral), many customers will default to the premium ones. The FitPick® toolkit suggests dedicating a portion of slots (say 25–50 %) to FitPick® items and clearly marking them, gradually increasing share as acceptance grows (https://blindmerchants.org/sites/blindmerchants.org/files/2022-02/Fit-Pick-Toolkit.pdf).
Perceived long-term value. Some customers will accept a slightly higher price for a premium snack from an instaSNAX machine if it yields better satiety, nutrition, or aligns with their identity (“I eat healthily”). By stocking premium ingredients (e.g. protein, nuts, whole grains) and positioning them as a “smart choice,” the vending operator overcomes resistance to paying more.
In sum: Structure your vending machines to present healthy or premium snacks with trustworthy labeling systems like FitPick®. Place them in prominent locations. Tie in to consumer trends toward wellness. This way, instaSNAX machines are more than dispensers of impulse treats—they are tools for supporting customer health, brand reputation, and long-term loyalty.
If you are curious about how an instaSNAX route can change your life, reach out today and an instaSNAX team member will phone you back.